All the world is in classroom of Bangalore International school

A group of children at Ryan International School, Kundalahalli, is gearing up to observe the Republic Day in a unique way. The students are going to give it a global touch by delivering speeches in French, German, Korean, Malay, English, and a host of other languages.

This does not come as a surprise since the city’s international schools have been at the forefront in promoting multiculturalism, be it food, art, music or language.

“To celebrate the Republic Day, our students are preparing speeches in different languages as varied as German, French, Malay and Korean. Since we’ve students from about 30 countries, we want to promote unity and brotherhood among them. Indian students are preparing their speeches in their respective mother tongues, whereas international students are preparing their speeches in the official languages of their respective countries,” said Anita Jacob, vice-principal of Ryan International School.

Prominent international schools in Bangalore such as Mallya Aditi International School (MAIS), Canadian International School (CIS), Bangalore International School (BIS) and Ryan International School take pride in their multicultural strength, which gives them a unique standing.

“Our students come from 34 nationalities. They share and celebrate various facets of world culture together. This gives our students strong scaffolding for their future career,” said Shweta Sastri, executive director of CIS.

Most international schools in the city celebrate festivals of various countries to give students a better understanding of world heritage and culture. Be it Christmas, Diwali, Eid ul-Fitr, Holi or Makar Shankranti, festivals are the time when the schools turn into mini global villages.

“The world is a home for our students. Be it world food, art, culture, music or dance, our students have a better understanding of the world at large. Perhaps that is why from a young age, they learn to deal with various situations, be it academic or personal. Most of them grow up to become matured and responsible citizens,” said a senior teacher of BIS.

These schools often host artists from across the globe to teach students about various art forms.

Last year, CIS took the initiative of infusing arts into students’ school life and curriculum by introducing a unique International Artists in Residence Programme.

The idea behind the event was to invite national and international artists to stay at students’ residence and interact with them, faculty members and parents through workshop, performance, exhibition and screening.

“CIS has always tried to build in innovative ideas and activities into the school curriculum, to make learning fun-filled and interactive. Learning through the arts often results in greater academic achievement. Art plays a catalytic role in creating a common ground between people of different cultures and belief systems. With our Artists in Residence Programme, we succeeded in creating an interest in arts, dance, music and theatre among students and also encourage them to explore these as career options,” said Sastri.

Dabbling with literature is something students at these schools do with great interest. Most of the schools have their own student-run magazines and clubs.

The magazines serve as platforms for students, especially from those outside India, to provide Indian students a glimpse of history, geography and society of their respective countries.

“Our school has two student-run magazines. One of them, The Scribe, has an online presence. The school also has a vibrant Interact Club. Other student-led initiatives include a Dramatic Society and a Photography Club,” said a teacher of MAIS.

Parents feel that exposure to a multicultural way of life is helping their children in building bridges. “My son wants to work as an electric engineer in Germany. He has a German friend in his school and has been hugely inspired by Germany’s advancement in engineering and technology. It’s such diverse atmosphere provided by international schools that helps youngsters to think globally,” said Priya Kumar, mother of a CIS student.